Cala Bona is a small, charming cove of pebbles and coarse sand, hidden in the Cap de Creus Natural Park near Cadaqués. It offers a tranquil refuge with crystal-clear waters, ideal for nature lovers and snorkeling.
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About this beach
Table of contents
Introduction
Welcome, intrepid travelers and lovers of natural beauty, to a corner of the Costa Brava that has stolen our hearts: Cala Bona in Cadaqués. Forget the hustle and bustle and the crowds; here, nature is the undisputed protagonist. Located near the iconic village of Cadaqués, this cove offers us a different beach experience, more authentic and deeply connected to the wild spirit of Cap de Creus. It's not a beach of 'chiringuitos' or large infrastructures, but a sanctuary of peace where time seems to stand still.
When we think of the beaches of Girona, we often imagine images of crowded coves or long stretches of sand. However, Cala Bona breaks those stereotypes to present us with an almost virgin landscape, a gift for those of us seeking to escape routine and immerse ourselves in calm. Its waters, of astonishing transparency, invite underwater exploration, while the quietness of its surroundings is perfect for disconnecting. It is, without a doubt, one of those gems that, once discovered, are zealously kept in memory and heart.
For us, visiting Cala Bona is like stepping into an impressionist painting, where the blue tones of the Mediterranean blend with the ochres and greens of the surrounding vegetation and the immaculate white of the Cadaqués houses visible in the distance. It's a cove that invites introspection, reading a good book in the sun, or simply contemplating the immensity of the sea. Let's prepare to learn every detail of this wonderful enclave, from how to get there to what culinary delights await us nearby.
How to Get to Cala Bona
Getting to Cala Bona is, in itself, part of the adventure and charm of this place. Don't expect to find direct car access or a large parking lot right by the beach. And it is precisely this 'difficulty' that helps preserve its essence and keep it away from the crowds. From the center of Cadaqués, the most common and recommended option is to walk. We usually leave the car in one of the public parking lots in Cadaqués (yes, parking can be a challenge in high season, so patience!) and then embark on a pleasant walk.
The route takes us along a coastal path that borders the sea, offering us spectacular views of the coastline. It's a path of medium difficulty, with some uneven sections and slopes, so we recommend wearing comfortable and suitable walking shoes, not flip-flops. The walk from Cadaqués can take between 20 and 30 minutes, depending on our pace and the stops we make to admire the landscape. It's a walk worth taking, as it gradually immerses us in the wild nature of Cap de Creus before reaching the cove.
It is also possible to access Cala Bona by sea, a very popular option for those who enjoy sports like kayaking or paddle surfing, or for those lucky enough to have a boat. Rowing from Cadaqués or Portlligat to the cove allows us to enjoy a unique perspective of the coast and arrive directly at its crystal-clear waters. Whichever way you choose, the effort is always rewarded with the incomparable beauty and tranquility this beach offers.
The Sand and Water
One of the most distinctive characteristics of Cala Bona is its composition. Here we won't find the typical fine, golden sand abundant on other beaches of Girona. Instead, we are greeted by a mix of pebbles and coarse sand, giving it a more natural and wild appearance. This texture, although it may be somewhat less comfortable for lying down directly without a towel or mat, has its advantages: the water remains incredibly clean and transparent, as the pebbles are not easily stirred up.
The color of the waters of Cala Bona is simply hypnotic, with shades ranging from turquoise blue at the shore to an intense deep blue further out to sea. The clarity is such that we can see the seabed very easily, making it a paradise for snorkeling and diving lovers. Beneath the surface, a fascinating world of submerged rocks, seaweed, and small fish swimming among them awaits us, creating a vibrant and lively ecosystem. It's as if nature were inviting us to explore its private aquarium.
As we venture into the sea, we'll notice that the depth increases gradually, making it relatively safe for swimming, although always with caution. The absence of large waves and strong currents, protected by the geography of Cap de Creus, contributes to that feeling of a natural swimming pool. For us, the combination of the pebbles massaging our feet and the purity of the water make every swim in Cala Bona a truly refreshing and revitalizing experience. It's the perfect place to forget the world and simply float.
Services and Facilities
If you're looking for a beach with all the comforts, 'chiringuitos' right on the sand, lifeguards, showers, or umbrella rentals, we must be honest: Cala Bona is not your destination. And this is, precisely, one of its greatest virtues. This cove is characterized by its natural and virgin state, which means it lacks tourist services and infrastructure. Here, nature is the only host, and we are its guests who respect and enjoy its pure state.
The absence of services is what allows Cala Bona to maintain its wild charm and atmosphere of tranquility. There are no noises from bars or loud music, only the murmur of the waves and the cry of seagulls. For us, this is part of its appeal. It forces us to be prepared and bring everything we need for our beach day: enough water, something to eat, sunscreen, a towel, a hat, and, of course, a bag for...